Current:Home > NewsWhen do babies roll over? What parents need to know about this milestone. -WealthX
When do babies roll over? What parents need to know about this milestone.
View
Date:2025-04-27 20:08:49
It's not hard to impress new parents. Because babies are born helpless and dependent on us for everything, it's always exciting to see them learn how to do anything for themselves. From learning how to grasp one's finger, to discovering how to crawl, to eventually mastering potty training - there are many development achievements we parents take pride in.
One milestone that's always worth celebrating is when baby learns to roll over. Michelle Macias, MD, a professor of pediatrics and the director of the developmental-behavioral pediatrics fellowship program at the Medical University of South Carolina, says it's an essential first step for baby to learn how to sit up, crawl and eventually start walking.
Though the timeline of when rolling over begins is different from baby to baby, there are always signs parents can look out for.
When do babies roll over?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that by the time baby is 6 months old, he or she has usually met developmental milestones like being able to easily recognize familiar people, interacting with others through laughs and sounds, reaching for the toy they want, and being able to roll over. Jason Nagata, MD, a pediatrician at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in San Francisco, explains that some infants start rolling over as early as 3-4 months and some do so later than 6 months. "Timing can vary," he says.
Rolling over is also a process baby doesn't master overnight as they will usually learn to roll from their back to side first, then from tummy to back, and finally from their back to tummy as they realize they have full range of control, says Bonnie McBride, PhD, an associate professor of developmental and behavioral pediatrics at The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.
In addition to being a precursor for the aforementioned physical milestones of crawling and walking, rolling over also helps baby build core strength needed for head and body control and usually means better sleep for baby once they get used to their new ability and freedom. "Rolling can lead to temporary disruptions in an infant’s sleep as they are more mobile and may wake up more frequently," explains Nagata. "However, infants soon experience improved sleep because they are able to find a more comfortable position on their own."
What are the first signs of rolling?
Among the earliest signs baby might be close to rolling over is if they turn their head to keep track of mom or dad or an object or if they reach around their body to find a toy or comfort item. McBride says babies may start pushing up on their arms from their tummy or start shifting their body weight around as other early signs.
"Infants also start lifting their head and shoulders more during tummy time, roll onto their shoulders or side, and kick or twist their legs," adds Nagata.
How to prepare for baby rolling over?
When parents see such signs, they should "provide safe places for baby to explore with toys and people to interact with," suggests McBride. Placing items above their heads or just out of reach on the floor can also encourage exploration and rolling so long as baby knows they are there.
Once baby reaches 4-6 months and shows signs of rolling, parents can also start guiding them through the process of rolling over by practicing the motion from both sides and helping them feel through the movement. Remember, "never leave (babies) unattended on a changing table, bed or other furniture and always be aware and alert," advises McBride. "They can move fast and even looking or turning away for a few seconds is not recommended."
When do babies start crawling?There's no hard and fast rule but here's when to be worried.
veryGood! (5)
Related
- Romantasy reigns on spicy BookTok: Recommendations from the internet’s favorite genre
- JPMorgan to pay $75 million over claims it enabled Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking
- Pennsylvania resident becomes 15th person in the state to win top prize in Cash4life game
- 5 workers picketing in UAW strike hit by vehicle outside Flint-area plant
- John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
- Why Fans Think Travis Kelce Gave a Subtle Nod to Taylor Swift Ahead of NFL Game
- Deion Sanders discusses opposing coaches who took verbal shots at him: 'You know why'
- Eagles vs. Buccaneers, Bengals vs. Rams Monday Night Football highlights
- Appeals court scraps Nasdaq boardroom diversity rules in latest DEI setback
- Mississippi announced incentives for company days after executive gave campaign money to governor
Ranking
- Selena Gomez engaged to Benny Blanco after 1 year together: 'Forever begins now'
- When did *NSYNC break up? What to know before the group gets the band back together.
- California deputy caught with 520,000 fentanyl pills has cartel ties, investigators say
- A woman died after falling from a cliff at a Blue Ridge Parkway scenic overlook in North Carolina
- Meet first time Grammy nominee Charley Crockett
- Narcissists can't stand these traits. Here's how to become immune to narcissists.
- Blinken: U.S. expects accountability from India after Canada accuses it of being involved in death of Sikh activist
- Black people's distrust of media not likely to change any time soon, survey found.
Recommendation
Opinion: Gianni Infantino, FIFA sell souls and 2034 World Cup for Saudi Arabia's billions
Cold case: 5 years after pregnant Chicago woman vanished, her family is still searching
Absentee ballots are late in 1 Mississippi county after a candidate is replaced because of illness
Survivor host Jeff Probst previews season 45 and reveals what makes a great player
At site of suspected mass killings, Syrians recall horrors, hope for answers
Ayesha Curry on the Importance of Self Care: You Can't Pour From an Empty Cup
The Academy gifts replacement of Hattie McDaniel's historic Oscar to Howard University
Shimano recalls bicycle cranksets in U.S. and Canada after more than 4,500 reports